John Larry Rank, 80, passed away in Minneapolis, MN on September 24, 2024, at Fairview Southdale Hospital, due to complications from cancer. John was born in Windom, MN on December 30, 1943, and attended school in Wilder, MN for eight years and graduated from Windom High School in 1961. He was a BNSF employee for 32 years, until his retirement.
John was a mischievous child, but won a state science award for his project testing rural wells for pollution. As an adult he enjoyed collecting antique artifacts, knives and guns. He delighted in watching his favorite sports teams on TV. He had an extensive knowledge of the history of the American West. John identified as Episcopalian, Unitarian and Pantheist. He was proud of being muscular and fit and was a man of strong opinions, freely shared with everyone.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Spencer Smith Rank and Grace Anderson Rank. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, whom he married in the Chapel of the Mall of America, on February 29, 2004, Leap Day, and the wedding was featured on the evening TV news. He is also survived by daughters, Georgia White and Gail Rusert (Joel), and step-son Joel Fournier (Laurie), as well as grandchildren Wyatt, Lyla, Nora and Abby, and brother, Spencer A. Rank (Jenelle), niece Elizabeth (Buffie) McOwien (Roger) and nephew Spencer J. Rank (Cara).
No services will be held. Private inurnment will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Windom, MN.
